Author Archives: justkeithharris

Acts 1 on 10/10 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Luke’s “second volume” opens by tying back to “all that Jesus began to do and teach” and showing that the risen Lord continues His work through His people (vv. 1–3). Jesus commands the disciples to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the Father’s promise—the baptism with the Holy Spirit (vv. 4–5). Still thinking in national terms, they ask about restoring the kingdom to Israel, but Jesus redirects them: the timing is the Father’s, their task is witness—empowered by the Spirit—to Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and the end of the earth (vv. 6–8). He then ascends and is taken up in a cloud of God’s presence, with angels assuring that He will return in the same way (vv. 9–11).

Back in Jerusalem, about 120 believers gather in the upper room and devote themselves to unified, persevering prayer—along with the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers (vv. 12–14). Peter stands and anchors the community’s next step in Scripture: Judas’s fall fulfilled what the Holy Spirit spoke “by the mouth of David,” and another must take his office (Ps 69:25; 109:8; vv. 15–20). The replacement must be an eyewitness from John’s baptism to the ascension—“a witness to His resurrection.” After praying for the Lord’s choice, they cast lots, and Matthias is numbered with the eleven (vv. 21–26).

Acts 1 shows the church waiting on God’s promise, grounded in Jesus’ mission and Scripture, praying together, and preparing for Spirit-empowered witness (vv. 4–8, 14, 16, 24–26). What Jesus began, He now continues—by His Spirit, through His people—until He comes again (vv. 1–3, 9–11).

🌀 Reflection:
Where are you still asking “when” about God’s plans (v. 7) instead of embracing what He’s already made clear—pray, wait on the Spirit, and witness (vv. 4–5, 8, 14)? Ask the Lord to align your expectations with His mission and to make you a steady, Scripture-guided witness today (vv. 16, 21–22).

💬 Mission Challenge:
Map your “Jerusalem.” Identify one person in your immediate circle (home, class, team, or workplace) and—after praying for them by name (v. 14)—share a simple witness this week: a gospel conversation, an invitation to read John’s Gospel together, or an invite to church or community group (v. 8).

Join Us as We Celebrate 27 Years at Christ Community Church — a Songs for Sunday post

Sunday’s coming, and I’m especially thankful this week.

Not only do we get to gather again as the people of God, but we also get to celebrate 27 years of God’s faithfulness to and through Christ Community Church. That’s no small thing. The local church is one of God’s greatest gifts to His people — where the gospel is proclaimed, disciples are made, and the love of Jesus is lived out in community.

I want to say how personally thankful I am that God has allowed me and my family to be a part of Christ Community. I’ve had the privilege of serving in churches for two decades, but this church has become the church home and faith family we had always hoped for. Candice, Keri, Xander, and I are genuinely grateful — not only to serve here, but to belong here. Christ Community is a gift, and we thank God for it.

That’s exactly the sentiment Paul had in Colossians 1:3-6 when he was opening his letter to the church at Colossae: sharing his gratitude for a gospel-shaped church.

Paul began in v. 3 by saying, “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you.” He’s not flattering them but pointing to God as the source of their growth and faithfulness. Every local church that stands firm in Christ is a reason to give thanks.

In v. 4, he reflects on what he’s heard about them: their “faith in Jesus” and the love they have “for all the saints”. These aren’t vague religious concepts. Their faith was real, anchored in Jesus. Their love was visible, expressed toward one another. This kind of gospel life is evidence of Christ working.

But where does that kind of faith and love come from? The answer is in v. 5: “because of the hope laid up for you in heaven”. Their faith and love are rooted in something eternal — not wishful thinking, but a secure hope. Their faith and love are rooted in something objective, already laid up, already theirs. That’s our shared hope, too: an imperishable inheritance kept in heaven (1 Peter 1:4), secured not by our own goodness but in Jesus’s blood and resurrection (1 Peter 1:18-21).

Then in vv. 5-6, Paul shifts the spotlight to the gospel itself, “the Word of the truth…which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing…”. You see, the gospel isn’t merely information. It’s power. Wherever it goes — when it’s understood and received by grace through faith in Jesus — it grows, it bears fruit, it transforms lives. That’s what God has done at Christ Community for 27 years, and that’s what we’re asking Him to keep on doing until Jesus returns.

When we gather Sunday, we’ll celebrate that very gospel in song. We’ll sing “Holy Water” thanking God for washing away our sin in His grace and mercy. We’ll sing “Graves Into Gardens” proclaiming the power of Jesus to bring life where there was death. We’ll sing “In Christ Alone” declaring our firm hope rooted in Jesus’s death and resurrection. We’ll sing “Thank You Jesus for the Blood” remembering the precious price He paid to redeem us.

We’ll be reminded of that gospel in our Scripture readings, as in Titus 3:4-7 where we’ll clearly see that our salvation is not in our works but Jesus’s, not in our righteousness (which we don’t have) but His mercy.

We’ll be reminded of that gospel and the Savior it proclaims as John opens up the Word of God and shows us the King of kings, unpacking the value and depth of His sacrifice for sinners like us and the salvation that comes only by grace through faith in Jesus alone.

So, let’s gather together.

Let’s gather on the Lord’s day — on Sunday — not just to mark an anniversary but to lift high the name of Jesus, the One who saved us, who brought us together as a church family, and who is still working in and through us for His glory and our good.

The gospel has borne fruit here, and we pray it continues to do so for generations to come — until Jesus comes.

Won’t you gather with us?

Here are our Scriptures and songs:

4But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that being justified by His grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

18…knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

Luke 24 on 10/9 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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The resurrection changes everything. On the first day of the week, the women discovered the empty tomb, reminded by angels that Jesus had risen just as He said (vv. 1–8). Though the apostles first doubted, Peter saw the evidence and marveled (vv. 9–12). On the road to Emmaus, two disciples met the risen Jesus without recognizing Him until He broke bread with them. He explained how all of Scripture pointed to His suffering and glory, and their hearts burned as they understood (vv. 13–35). Later, Jesus appeared to the disciples, showing His hands and feet, eating with them, and commissioning them to proclaim repentance and forgiveness in His name to all nations, promising the Spirit’s power (vv. 36–49).

Luke closes with Jesus blessing His disciples and ascending into heaven. Their sorrow was turned to joy as they worshiped Him and continually praised God in the temple (vv. 50–53). The story that began in Bethlehem with the birth of Jesus ends in glory with His exaltation—and continues in the church’s mission to proclaim that Christ is risen and reigns forever.

🌀 Reflection:
Jesus’ resurrection is not just an event to know but a reality to live in. Because He lives, our doubts can turn to faith, our despair to joy, and our fear to peace. Where do you need to rest in the power of His living presence today?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Share the good news of Jesus’ resurrection with someone this week. Like the women at the tomb or the disciples on the road, don’t keep silent—proclaim that Jesus is alive and offers forgiveness and new life to all who believe.

Luke 23 on 10/8 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Jesus was brought before Pilate and Herod, though both declared Him innocent (vv. 4, 14–15). Yet the crowds demanded Barabbas’s release instead, and Pilate gave in, handing Jesus over to be crucified (vv. 18–25). On the way to Golgotha, Simon of Cyrene carried the cross, and Jesus warned the women of Jerusalem about coming judgment (vv. 26–31). At the cross, He prayed for His executioners, was mocked by rulers and soldiers, and promised Paradise to the repentant thief beside Him (vv. 32–43). At His death, darkness fell, the temple veil tore, and a centurion declared His innocence (vv. 44–49).

Joseph of Arimathea courageously asked for Jesus’ body and placed it in his own tomb, while the women prepared spices but rested on the Sabbath (vv. 50–56). Luke’s account emphasizes both Jesus’ innocence and His saving work on the cross—dying as the spotless Lamb who forgives sinners and opens the way to God.

🌀 Reflection:
Jesus endured injustice, suffering, and death—not because He was guilty, but because we are. At the cross, we see His heart of mercy, His power to save, and His obedience to the Father. Reflect today on the wonder that the innocent Son of God bore your guilt and gave you His righteousness.

💬 Mission Challenge:
Share with someone this week the hope of the repentant thief—that no one is beyond the reach of Jesus’ mercy. Invite them to trust the Savior who still says, “You will be with me in Paradise.”

Luke 22 on 10/7 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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Luke 22 records the night of Jesus’ betrayal and arrest. The chapter begins with the plot of the chief priests and Judas to kill Him (vv. 1–6). During the Last Supper, Jesus redefines the bread and cup as symbols of His body and blood, establishing the Lord’s Supper and pointing to His coming sacrifice (vv. 7–23). When the disciples argue about greatness, Jesus teaches that true greatness is servanthood, even as He promises them a future place in His kingdom (vv. 24–30). He warns Peter of his coming denial but assures him that his faith will be restored (vv. 31–34). In Gethsemane, Jesus prays in deep anguish, submitting to the Father’s will, while His disciples struggle to stay awake (vv. 39–46).

The chapter then turns to Jesus’ arrest by the crowd led by Judas and His healing of the servant’s ear (vv. 47–53). Peter denies Him three times before the rooster crows, fulfilling Jesus’ prediction and leaving Peter in bitter weeping (vv. 54–62). Jesus is mocked, beaten, and brought before the council, where He affirms His identity as the Son of Man who will sit at God’s right hand (vv. 63–71). Luke 22 highlights Jesus’ humility, obedience, and love as He prepares to lay down His life for sinners.

🌀 Reflection:
Jesus shows us what it means to live in full obedience to the Father. He endured betrayal, denial, and suffering while continuing to love and serve. His words at the table remind us that our salvation rests on His sacrifice, not our strength. When we stumble, like Peter, His grace restores us and calls us back to faithfulness.

💬 Mission Challenge:
Think of someone who may feel far from God or burdened by guilt. Reach out with encouragement this week—share that Christ’s sacrifice was for them, too, and invite them to trust in His forgiveness.

Luke 21 on 10/6 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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In Luke 21, Jesus contrasts true worship with outward appearances. A poor widow gives two small coins, yet her offering is greater than the wealthy because she gave all she had (vv. 1–4). Jesus then foretells the destruction of the temple, reminding His disciples that earthly glory fades but God’s purposes endure (vv. 5–6). He warns of false messiahs, wars, natural disasters, and persecution, calling His followers to endure with faith and use trials as opportunities for testimony, with the assurance that God’s presence will sustain them (vv. 7–19).

Jesus speaks of the fall of Jerusalem as a sign of judgment (vv. 20–24) but also looks forward to His return, when cosmic signs will mark the coming of the Son of Man. Believers are told to “straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (v. 28). Through the fig tree parable, Jesus teaches readiness, affirming that His words will never pass away (vv. 29–33). He urges His followers to stay awake and pray, living in expectation of His return (vv. 34–36).

🌀 Reflection:
Luke 21 reminds us that while the world is filled with trials, uncertainties, and even collapse, Christ’s words stand forever. We are called to live with watchful hearts, enduring with faith and clinging to the hope that Jesus will return to redeem His people fully.

💬 Mission Challenge:
Encourage someone this week who is weighed down by fear or uncertainty. Share the hope of Luke 21:28 with them, and remind them that in Christ, redemption and peace are sure.

Luke 20 on 10/5 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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In Luke 20, Jesus’ authority is openly challenged. The religious leaders question Him in the temple, but their refusal to answer about John the Baptist exposes their hardness of heart (vv. 1–8). Jesus then tells the parable of the wicked tenants, warning of Israel’s rejection of God’s messengers and declaring that the rejected stone—Himself—has become the cornerstone (vv. 9–18; cf. Ps. 118:22). Later, when questioned about paying taxes to Caesar, Jesus amazes them with His wisdom: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (v. 25).

The Sadducees also try to trap Him with a question about the resurrection. Jesus answers that the resurrection life is unlike earthly life—there is no marriage, and God is “not God of the dead, but of the living” (v. 38). He affirms both His divine authority and the hope of eternal life (vv. 27–40). Finally, Jesus exposes the pride of the scribes who love honor but exploit others, warning that their hypocrisy will bring severe judgment (vv. 45–47).

🌀 Reflection:
Luke 20 reminds us that Jesus’ authority cannot be ignored or resisted without consequence. He is the cornerstone—either the foundation of salvation or the stone of judgment. Let us submit to His lordship, honor Him with our lives, and rejoice in the hope of the resurrection secured through Him.

💬 Mission Challenge:
This week, share the truth of Jesus as the cornerstone with someone searching for stability or hope. Offer to read Psalm 118:22–24 together, and point them to the life and joy found only in Christ.

Luke 19 on 10/4 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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In Luke 19, Jesus reveals Himself as Savior, King, and Judge. Zacchaeus, a wealthy and sinful tax collector, encounters Jesus in Jericho. To everyone’s surprise, Jesus calls him by name, stays at his house, and declares that salvation has come when Zacchaeus repents and makes restitution (vv. 1–10). Jesus then tells the parable of the ten minas, teaching that His kingdom will not appear immediately and emphasizing the call to faithful stewardship while we await His return (vv. 11–27).

As Jesus enters Jerusalem, He fulfills prophecy by riding on a colt. The crowds praise Him as King, though the Pharisees protest. Jesus declares that even the stones would cry out if His disciples were silent (vv. 28–40). Yet as He nears the city, Jesus weeps, grieving its blindness to the peace He offers and foretelling its coming judgment (vv. 41–44). Finally, Jesus cleanses the temple, driving out those who turned God’s house of prayer into a marketplace, as the leaders begin plotting His death while the people continue to cling to His teaching (vv. 45–48).

🌀 Reflection:
Luke 19 reminds us that Jesus seeks us in our sin and calls us to repentance, just as He did with Zacchaeus. He also calls us to faithfulness while we wait for His return, to welcome Him as King, and to worship Him with sincerity. I invite us to open our hearts to Christ’s presence, rejoice in His salvation, and prepare for His coming again.

💬 Mission Challenge:
Like Jesus with Zacchaeus, reach out this week to someone others might overlook or avoid. Share a meal, a conversation, or an act of kindness that points them to the Savior who came to seek and save the lost.

Luke 18 on 10/3| NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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In Luke 18, Jesus teaches about persistence, humility, and faith. He tells the parable of the persistent widow, showing that if even an unjust judge responds to perseverance, how much more will God answer the cries of His people who pray in faith (vv. 1–8). He then contrasts the self-righteous Pharisee with the humble tax collector, reminding us that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, but those who repent and cry for mercy will be justified (vv. 9–14).

Jesus welcomes children and teaches that the kingdom of God belongs to those who come with simple trust and dependence (vv. 15–17). A rich ruler, however, walks away sorrowful because he cannot let go of his wealth. Jesus warns of the dangers of riches but assures that what is impossible with man is possible with God, and those who follow Him will gain eternal life (vv. 18–30). Jesus again foretells His death and resurrection, though His disciples do not yet grasp it (vv. 31–34). Near Jericho, a blind beggar cries out, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus heals him, commending his faith, and the man immediately glorifies God (vv. 35–43).

🌀 Reflection:
Luke 18 reminds us that true discipleship is marked by prayer, humility, and trust in Jesus above all else. We are called to pray persistently, to humble ourselves before God, and to treasure Christ more than anything this world can offer. Where is God calling you to trust Him more deeply today?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Look for someone in your life who feels overlooked—perhaps a child, a neighbor, or a coworker—and show them Christlike attention and care this week. Use that moment as an opportunity to share the hope of the gospel with them.

Luke 17 on 10/2 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

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In Luke 17, Jesus teaches His disciples about forgiveness, faith, and humility. He warns against leading others into sin and calls His followers to forgive repeatedly when there is repentance. When the disciples ask for more faith, Jesus explains that even faith as small as a mustard seed can accomplish great things, reminding them that their obedience is a matter of duty, not grounds for boasting (vv. 1–10). On His way to Jerusalem, Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one—a Samaritan—returns to thank Him. Jesus praises this man’s faith, showing the importance of gratitude and the recognition of God’s work (vv. 11–19).

Later, Jesus addresses the Pharisees’ question about the coming of the kingdom of God. He explains that the kingdom is already in their midst through His presence, but He also points to His future return, which will come suddenly and bring judgment, like in the days of Noah and Lot. His disciples must not cling to worldly things but be ready for His coming (vv. 20–37).

🌀 Reflection:
Luke 17 calls us to live with faith, gratitude, and readiness. We are to forgive as God forgives us, thank Him for His blessings, and keep our eyes fixed on Christ rather than the world. Are you living in such a way that reflects trust in God’s promises and eagerness for His return?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Take time this week to express gratitude by writing a note, sending a message, or calling someone who has been a blessing in your life. Use the opportunity not only to thank them but also to point them to God as the ultimate source of every good gift.